§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the Local Government Boundary Commission to commence the work as charged under the Local Government Act 1972; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveIt will be for the Local Government Boundary Commission to determine its programme for the reviews which it has to undertake under section 48(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, after 1 April. It will commence with non-metropolitan counties however, because my right hon. Friend intends to direct it not to review metropolitan areas and Greater London until 1987, when it can take into account revised functions of metropolitan districts and London boroughs. A further direction will extend the time for completion of all the reviews.